WA Annual Scientific Meeting and Dinner 2026

Professor Lara Friedlander is an Associate Dean, Specialist Endodontist, and Head of the Discipline of Endodontics at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Lara’s main endodontic interests focus on vital pulp treatment, dental trauma, and the management of pulp and periapical disease in the context of systemic health. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and regularly lectures internationally as an invited keynote speaker. Lara’s research has a strong translational focus, bridging laboratory discovery with clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and centres on pulp biology, vital pulp treatment, the impact of diabetes on pulp and periapical disease and dental education. She has led nationally significant clinical research, including the development of a New Zealand guideline for general dentists managing deep caries, and established New Zealand’s first dental practice-based research network. Lara has held multiple governance roles within the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, including chairing multiple committees and serving as Chief Examiner for the FRACDS (GDP). In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the RACDS Meritorious Service Award in 2020. Lara also holds awards for teaching excellence and postgraduate research supervision and has extensive experience shaping dental education globally through her leadership in curriculum development, clinical assessment and supervision.

Erin is a Specialist Paediatric Dental Consultant at Te Whatu Ora Hutt Valley in Wellington, New Zealand. Erin was awarded her FRACDS in 2002 and MRACDS (Paed) in 2008. Erin has worked as a specialist for many years in NZ and Australia and is involved in research and clinical practice. Erin has been an examiner for the Collge for over nine years, was the Chair of the RACDS NZ Committee for five years and served on numerous Committees in her role as a Board member.

Graham Carmichael is a Specialist Prosthodontist and a director of The Brånemark Center in West Perth. He graduated from the University of Western Australia School of Dentistry with Honours in 2003 and from the University of Sydney with a Doctorate in Clinical Dentistry in Prosthodontics. He is a Fellow by examination with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, and is also a Member of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Prosthodontics. Graham has also graduated with a Bachelor in Science at the University of Western Australia with a double major in Anatomy and Human Biology and Biochemistry, and has Fellowships with the International College of Dentists, the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Prosthodontists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Chris completed his specialist orthodontic training at the University of Melbourne in 2001, earning a Master of Dental Science (Orthodontics) and a Graduate Diploma in Dentofacial Orthopaedics. He has been in specialist practice at Profile Orthodontics since graduating. In 2007, he joined Perth Children’s Hospital as a Consultant Orthodontist, working with the Cleft Lip and Palate and Craniofacial teams.

Dr Kelly Oliver is a paediatric dentist who graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2004 and completed specialty training at the University of Melbourne in 2012. She undertook a craniofacial and special care fellowship at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, later becoming its first Paediatric Dentistry Super Fellow, contributing to research, education redesign and clinical guidelines. Returning to Australia, she worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, focusing on cardiac patients, before becoming Unit Head at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Since 2022 she has been a principal FRACDS (GDP) Paeds/Ortho examiner. Outside of looking in little mouths, she enjoys weightlifting, baking, hiking and being a Mum.

Amanda is a Perth Oral medicine specialist, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia, sessional academic at Curtin University and Consultant at Perth Children’s Hospital. She is on the Board of Studies for Oral Medicine and Board of Directors at the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and is the chair of the Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia Education and Scientific Committee. Otherwise, she is on multiple committees and not-for-profit boards in dentistry and health-related causes. For her services to dentistry, Amanda has been awarded the Australian Dental Association Valuable Service Award and the RACDS College Service Award. Elena von Rosenberg is a physiotherapist with over 20 years of international clinical experience and dual master’s degrees in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy from the University of South Australia. Her primary clinical interest is chronic musculoskeletal pain, with a particular focus on persistent cervical and orofacial presentations. She is passionate about translating contemporary pain science into practical, evidence-based approaches for clinical care. She is also the founder of Pocket Physio, a focal vibration medical device designed to relieve muscle tension and support self-care. After completing rigorous international training, Dr Putra is registered to practice as a specialist prosthodontist in Australia and is recognised for his expertise in aesthetically demanding, implant and complex multidisciplinary cases. Alongside extensive hands-on clinical experience, Dr Putra has developed a strong profile in prosthodontic education and research. He has delivered presentations nationally and internationally on topics such as implant treatment in the aesthetic zone, immediate implant placement and provisionalisation, anterior occlusion, comprehensive prosthodontic treatment planning, and clinical dental photography.

Dr Dayea Oh is a specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist and Senior Lecturer at The University of Western Australia. She currently serves as President of Australian Academy of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology (2025–2026). Dr Oh graduated with Honours from The University of Queensland and completed her MFDS at The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh before undertaking specialist training in Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology. In 2020, she was awarded a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology from The University of Queensland, completing comprehensive specialist training across tertiary hospital, private radiology clinics, and academic settings, including Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Dr Oh’s expertise spans 2D radiographs, CBCT, CT, and MRI interpretation, with a focus on appropriate imaging prescription and diagnostic precision. She is committed to advancing radiology education and supporting the wider dental community through teaching, collaboration, and professional leadership.

Dr David Thean is an Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeon at Perth Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery. He has a subspecialty interest in cleft and craniofacial care. He completed his BDSc at UWA, his MD at Griffith University, his OMS training in WA, and subspecialty training in Craniofacial Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. Following this training, he received formal micro-credentialling in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery. He has public appointments at Perth Children’s Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital, and the Oral Health Centre of WA.

Ahmed Saleh graduated from the School of Dentistry with honours in 2002. He completed the ADC registration and moved to Australia in 2008. Ahmed practiced general dentistry for 10 years in Egypt and WA before commencing his specialty training in Periodontics and implant dentistry at UWA. He completed his Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Degree in 2014, in addition to being awarded Membership and Fellowship in Periodontics by the RACDS. For the first 5 years after graduating, he provided periodontal treatment in private practice in Perth, Geraldton and Albany. Since completing his specialty program, Ahmed has contributed to a number of voluntary positions, including the Australian Society of Periodontology (ASP) state treasurer and president, ASP federal treasurer and secretary, RACDS committee, ADA CPD committee and ADA council member. He served as a Clinical Tutor and Senior Lecturer at the School of Dentistry, UWA for over 10 years. Ahmed has also lectured at various dental conferences, both nationally and internationally. He is a member of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists (ANZAP) and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). His areas of interest include multidisciplinary patient management and implant dentistry. He has recently gained interest in Dental research and has commenced a PhD project. He is now dedicated to his private practice in Warwick, his PhD and spending time with his family.

Dr Jee-Yun Leung is a Specialist in Special Needs Dentistry passionate about tackling oral health inequalities faced by persons living with special needs. She is a Consultant at Fiona Stanley Hospital where she is the Lead of Dental Specialties, sees patients with medical complexities and disability, spearheaded the expansion of the SND service, is part of the Head & Neck Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, and coordinates the UWA DMD4 student placement. Concurrently she is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Western Australia tasked with developing the DMD SND curriculum. She serves on the State Oral Health Advisory Committee of the WA Government Chief Dental Office, and the Executive Committee of the Australia New Zealand Academy of Special Needs Dentistry (ANZASND). She holds membership with the RACDS and ADA. Jee-Yun was awarded the prestigious UWA Fogarty Scholarship, University of Adelaide G.O. Lawrence Scholarship and several prizes for her undergraduate and specialty training. She has completed a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours (University of Western Australia), Masters in Special Care Dentistry (Eastman Dental Institute, University College London), Diploma in Special Care Dentistry (Royal College of Surgeons England), and Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (University of Adelaide). Her research includes SND oral health delivery systems, quality of online dental information, and early radiographic changes in osteoradionecrosis. She contributed 6 textbook chapters to A Practical Approach to Special Care Dentistry (Wiley-Blackwell 2022).

Dr Annalene Weston is a Dentolegal Advisor for Dental Protection Australia, providing collegiate support and advice. Annalene completed her undergraduate dental degree in the UK and worked in NHS and private dentistry before immigrating. She has worked across three Australian states, in private and public dentistry, and gained her Masters in Health Law through the University of Sydney, Faculty of Law. Annalene has been awarded Fellowships to the American College of Dentistry, the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentistry in recognition of her strong work in ethics. In addition to her role with Dental Protection, Annalene maintains practice part-time, is the host of the Dental Protection podcast series and the mother of two rambunctious boys.